Sharks no deterrent for Rottnest crossing

The first swimmers have crossed the line after finishing the Rottnest Swim.

Around 2000 competitors set out on the 19.7 kilometre distance, with the first group leaving Cottesloe shortly before 6:00AM Saturday.

Jeremy Brooke-Smith was the first solo male swimmer to complete the distance in 4:34:57.

The first female competitor to cross the line was Jess Walker in a time of 4:47:54.

The Event's President, David Corney, says the large number of shark sightings off Perth's coast this summer did not deter swimmers.

"Whilst there's a fair amount of anxiety in the general community, including the swimming community about sharks, shark attacks and shark sightings, it hasn't really affected the Channel Swim," he said.

"I think people see it as a pretty safe day, we have a lot of boats in the water and a lot of people in the water and perhaps there's a perception that it's not a very friendly environment for big fish."